Resources for Parents

Hello Momma or Daddy!   
Are you concerned that your Little One may have a lip and/or tongue tie?  You are in the right place, and I am so glad you are here.  I understand your concerns and anxiousness - I am here for you every step of the way providing guidance, education, and support as you navigate your baby's feeding struggles.  

Have you been told "if your baby can stick out their tongue past their gum line then they do not have a tongue tie?"  Since there are four pairs of muscles in the tongue, each with a specific purpose (protruding, lifting, side to side), this is not fully accurate! If your baby is able to protrude their tongue, great, but we need to evaluate your baby's overall oral functionality!  Tongue ties do not just impact breastfeeding.  A few areas a tongue/lip tie impact are:  bottle feeding, digestion, eating solids, lip blisters, sleep, face shape, mouth shape, dental health, speech, reflux, migraines, breathing... just to name a few!  

If you are concerned a tongue or lip tie is present, my very first recommendation for you is to schedule an appointment for a consultation with a Chiropractor and Cranial Sacral Therapist (see my recommendations below).  Body Work (Cranial Sacral Therapy (CST) in conjunction with Chiropractic Care) has been shown to be beneficial prior to oral releases as well as post release.  Creating a plan of care for your Little One will help ensure successful healing and gaining proper oral strength.  Consider this, the frenulum is connected to the big toe, if you simply have the frenulum released and there is tension anywhere else in the body, the body will compensate and your Little One could end up struggling with Torticollis or flat head due to inability to properly move and adjust.  

Your next step is to schedule an appointment with an experienced Lip & Tongue Tie Provider (aka Pediatric Dentist) for an official diagnosis.  Unfortunately, many Pediatricians are not well versed in Oral anatomy; hence why it is important to find an expert who is knowledgeable with Oral restrictions.   

What To Expect Post Revision:

Over the years as a CLC, I have found it can be helpful to do the required stretches AFTER a feeding.  Many Providers recommend doing them prior to feeds.  However, I have seen some babies who develop oral aversions when their mouth is stretched prior to feeding and/or they are so uncomfortable after stretching they refuse to feed.  

In addition, I encourage you to be creative when doing the stretches.   

Here are some examples:

• Do not do the stretches in the same location every time.
• Lori Hendrickson on IG shows parents ways to do stretches while holding baby outward. 

Ultimately, you are the parent, and you can choose what is best for your Little One.  If you choose to do the stretches after feedings, it is normal that your Little One will need to be consoled afterwards - so offering another comfort feed at the breast or bottle is acceptable. 

• Stretching Video
• Pre & Post Exercises

Post-Revision Care for Discomfort

A revision is uncomfortable, and as a Parent you want to help your Little One be as comfortable as possible while they heal and learn to use their newfound tongue/lip movement.  Below are a few of my recommendations which are not medical advice.  Please check with your trusted Care Provider before administering any of these suggestions. 

 
Some babies are only sore for a day or two; for others pain/swelling in lips and/or face peak around days 4-5. Treat for pain as needed and do LOTS of cuddles (aka skin to skin).   

                                                                        (Disclaimer:  This page contains affiliate links)

Acetaminophen can be given from birth to 3 years of age.

Arnica is a homeopathic used to alleviate pain.  

Dosage:

• 10 pellets of arnica (preferably 200x but 30x is fine) in a glass dropper bottle. Fill with several tablespoons of breastmilk or formula to dissolve. Use 10 drops of that liquid every 60-90 min. 
• Arnica: https://amzn.to/3DGxgFR
• Dropper bottles: https://amzn.to/3Yz7nl7

Skin to skin contact, lots of it with Mom or Dad!!  Taking a warm bath with baby and try latching baby in the bath is often helpful too. If you aren't breastfeeding, a warm bath together is comforting as well. 

Breastmilk ice chips help with pain.  Put a little bit of milk/formula in a milk storage bag and freeze it laying flat so that it's fairly thin. Then you can break off little pieces for baby. Tuck under tongue or in cheek where it will slowly melt. 

Babywear as much as possible, if you can. Human touch releases oxytocin, which lowers pain levels.